Motion picture apparatus



March 17, 1936. c ome 2,034,176

MOTION PICTURE APPARATUS Filed Jan. 15, 1933 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR Chem/N5 Do/A/o.

March 17, 1936. c. DOINO MOTION PICTURE APPARATUS 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Jan. 13, 1933 Q Q m Q m a m m w a w I w WWW Z EH; a fl ifl u 0/, 7m 0 a a -m lmll l M-- 0 a nI-n 5 a nine 7 7 a $5 a ah w E. Elfin fi m m Q u Q Q z INVENTOR (keM/A/f flo/A/o. Y ATTORNEYS C. DOINO MOTION PICTURE APPARATUS March 17, 1936.

Filed Jan. 15, 1935 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR BY 16 ATTORNEYS March 17, 1936. c DQ|NQ MOTION PICTURE APPARATUS Filed Jan. 13, 1935 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 iji JIII/m INVENTOR CLDQM/ O/A/O.

% ATTORNEYS Patented Mar. 17, 1936 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE MOTION PICTURE APPARATUS Carmine Doino, Brooklyn, N. Y. Application January 13, 1933, Serial No. 651,509 4 Claims. (01. 88-17) The present invention relates to new and useful improvements in motion picture projection apparatus.

In a prior pending application filed May 26, 1928, Serial Number 280,848, I have illustrated an apparatus for controlling a plurality of picture projectors, which apparatus operates to produce an automatic change-over. In the operation of motion picture projecting machines it is customary, in order that no interruption in the projection be apparent on the screen, so to operate the machines that the projection by one machine is started before the projection of the other machine has ceased.

In my prior patent application above mentioned this operation is had automatically, and the device of the present invention is an improvement over the apparatus illustrated in my above mentioned prior application.

It is one object of the present invention to improve the construction and mode of operation of picture projecting machines and to provide such machines with mechanism which will effect automatically, the change-over, entirely independent of an operator except, that the operator is required to remove and replace film reels with relation to the projection machine magazines.

A feature of the invention consists in the provision of novel means whereby a plurality of projecting machines are combined in such a manner that prior to the termination of the film of one machine, the other machine will automatically begin to operate and will continue to operate after the termination of the projection of the first machine. This operation of projection machines is known by operators as the change-over.

A further feature of the invention resides in the provision of novel mechanism whereby perfect operation of each machine is assured without special attention on the part of the operator.

The light source of projection machines is generally in the form of a so-called carbon are light and another feature of the invention resides in novel means whereby current is automatically supplied to the arc lights at a pre-determined time together with novel means whereby a perfect operating arc is obtained.

Still a further feature of the invention resides in a new and novel arrangement of parts whereby the amounts of film strip remaining on the film reels in the magazines may be ascertained without necessitating an opening of the magazines.

Other features of the invention relate to certain novel and improved constructions, arrangements and combinations of parts hereinafter described and particularly pointed out in the claims, the advantages of which will be readily understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art.

The invention will be clearly understood from the accompanying drawings illustrating the invention in its preferred form and the following detailed description of the constructions therein shown.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is. a diagrammatic view illustrating the system of wiring by means of which two projection machines are operated to effect an automatic change-over from either machine to the other,

Figure 2 is a view in elevation of a control panel board, the wiring of the panel board being omitted,

Figure 3 is a view in side elevation of a motion picture projector illustrating a device constructed in accordance with the present invention as attached thereto,

Figure 4 is a fragmentary view taken at right angles to Figure 3, and showing a portion of the upper magazine of the projection machine,

Figure 5 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken on the line 5-5 of Figure 4,

Figure 6 is a vertical sectional view taken on the line 6-6 of Figure 5,

Figure 7 is a detail perspective view illustrating the specific construction of the film strip contacting member or film follower,

Figure 8 is a detail transverse sectional view taken on the line 8-8 of Figure 2,

Figure 9 is a vertical sectional view taken on the line 99 of Figure 8,

Figure 10 is a transverse sectional view taken on the line ill-l0 of Figure 2,

Figure 11 is a transverse sectional view taken on the line I [-1 l-of Figure 2,

Figure 12 is a fragmentary side elevation of the 4( are producing magazine,

Figure 13 is a view of the are producing magazine taken at right angles to Figure 12,

Figure 14 is a detail sectional view taken on the line l4l4 of Figure 12,

Figure 15 is a detail sectional view taken on the line |5l5 of Figure 8,

Figure 16 is a detail view illustrating one form of mechanism for the automatic thermal control of the douser, and;

Figure 17 is a fragmentary detail View illustrating a locking and indicating mechanism employed in connection with the upper or supply reel magazine.

Referring in detail to the drawings and more 55 The film feeding and reeling mechanism is generally effected by a driving mechanism driven by an electric motor neither of which are specifically illustrated herein. The source of light for the projector is generally of the electrical type and. in

the present illustration of the invention is shown in Figure 12 as of the carbon arc type, the carbons being designated l4 and Hi insaid Figure 12. In addition to the foregoing these machines generally include a douser by means of which the projected beam of light may be intercepted to prevent projection thereof to the screen without extinguishing the source of light. In the pres-=- ent illustration of the invention, this douser is electrically operated. In addition, there is a sound device which consistsin part of an electric circuit which includes a photo electric cell. The photo electric cell is operated by an exciter light, the circuit of which is independent of that circuit of which the photo electric cell is a part.

' drawings.

. In the present illustration of the invention two projecting machines are shown and it is to be understood that the aforementioned devices, that is, the motor, source of projection light, douser and sound mechanism are likewise duplicated, there being one for each projector. Thus, when one projector is operating, its motor, source of light, and sound mechanism will be in operation while these'same devices in the other machine, which machine is idle, will not be operated. It is also to be understood that the douser is inoperative in that machine which is operating in order that the light beam may not be intercepted and the projection thereby be interfered with.

The several circuits heretofore referred to are illustrated diagrammatically in Figure 1 of the drawings, the several switches and their particular arrangement being shown in Figure 2 of the The several s 'tches are mounted upon a panel board it and are arranged in two groups designated B and C, the group B controlling the several starting circuits mentioned while the group C controls the several operating circuits heretofore mentioned.

The motor, source of light and exciter light of the sound system, each have two circuits. One of these circuits is energized in connection with each of the aforementioned devices to eifect a preliminary operation thereof in order that the operation of an idle projector may be started before an operating projector is thrown out of operation. These circuits in each case will be hereinafter referred to as the starting circuits. The starting circuits having been energized, it will be obvious that the motor of a machine will start its operation, the source of light will become illuminated and the exciter light of the sound mechanism will likewise be illuminated. After an operation of the starting circuit for a predetermined period, it is de-energized in each case and a second circuit in each case is energized, which will continue the operation of the motor, the source of light and theexciter light, and these circuits will be hereinafter referred to as the operating circuits of these various devices.

In addition to the starting circuits heretofore described there is provided means for insuring aosarve proper operation of the source of lightwhen the same is in the form of an arc light. This means includes a mechanism for setting up a vibration or intermittent movement of one of the carbons of an arc light relative to the other carbon thereof to insure against the carbons freezing and thus short circuiting the circuit of the source of light and rendering the same inoperative. This device is electrical and includes a circuit which is energized during the energization of the starting circuits heretofore described, but which circuit is de-energized upon the de-energizatio'n of said starting circuits and the energization of the several operating circuits.

In addition to the motor, source of light and the exciter light of the sound mechanism, there is employed a sound apparatus and a douser. Each of these devices also includes a circuit which is energized subsequent to the de-energization of the several starting circuits and simultaneously with the energization of the operating circuits of said devices.

Thus it will be apparent that proper operation of the device will take place in the following sequence..

For the sake of illustration we will assume that one of the projecting machines is operating. At a predetermined time during this operation, the starting circuits heretofore mentioned of another machine which, it will be understood, is idle, will be energized. This condition will start the motor,

- energize the source of light circuit and the circuit of the exciter light of the sound mechanism and also the circuit of the vibrating mechanism of one of the carbons of the source of light of this second mentioned machine. After a suitable lapse of time all of these so-called starting circuits will be de-energized and the operating circuits. heretofore described will be energized in order to establish operation of the second mentioned machine. In addition, the sound apparatus of the second mentioned machine will be placed in operation through the energization of its circuit and the douser will be moved out of the path of the light beam of said second mentioned machine in order that its projection to the screen may be had. Simultaneous with this operation all of the operating circuits of the various devices of the first mentioned machine will be rendered de-energized in order to render this machine inoperative. After operation of the second mentioned machine for a predetermined period the afore-mentioned operations are repeated and the first mentioned machine is again automatically started into operation, the second mentioned machine being automatically stopped.

The foregoing operations are automatic, the only attention necessary on the part of an operator being to remove reels of film from the film magazines of the several machines and replace them with reels subsequently to be projected.

The present invention contemplates a novel arrangement of switches whereby the conditions above described are. automatically established in direct relation to the film in the magazines of the projecting machines, The automatic means by which the several switches are operated is elec-v trical in its operation and is in direct control of the film in one of the film magazines of that machine which is operating.

The several circuits heretofore referred to are illustrated diagrammatically in Figure 1 of the drawings, the several switches and their particular arrangement being shown in Figure 2 of the drawings. The several switches are mounted upon a panel board 24 and are arranged in two groups designated B and, C, the group B controlling the several starting circuits mentioned while the group C controls the several operating circuits heretofore mentioned.

In the present illustration of the invention two projectingmachines have been illustrated. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to two projecting machines and that any number of projecting machines may be operatively connected together in accordance with the teachings of the invention.

For the sake of illustration the machines will hereinafter be identified by their motors, that is to say, that no direct reference will be made to the machines.

Referring to Figure 1 of the drawings, the motors of the machines are identified by the reference characters'M-l and M-2, the motor M-l being the motor of one machine, and the motor M-2 being the motor of the other machine.

In Figure 1 there are two power lines D and E. The circuit of the power line D comprises two legs 36 and 3| while the circuit of the power line E comprises three legs 32, 33, and 34. The sources of light of the two machines are herein illustrated as of the carbon are light and in Figure 1 these sources of light are designated A-l and A--2. In Figure 1 of the drawings there are shown two sound apparatuses and these are designated as Sl and 8-2, the exciter lights of these sound apparatuses being designated T-| and T2 respectively. As heretofore stated, each projecting machine has a douser and these dousers are designated F-l and F2 in the drawings.

Associated with each source of light, there is a vibrator for vibrating one of the carbon electrodes of the source of light to insure against freezing and thereby short-circuiting the light and in Figure 1, these vibrators are designated Vl and V2.

Each machine has associated therewith a switch which is controlled by the film in one of the magazines of the machine by which it is carried and in Figure 1 of the drawings these switches are designated Rl and R--2.

The several control switches for energizing and de-energizing the starting and operating circuits of the several devices are illustrated in Figure l of the drawings and these switches and the circuits which they control will now be described.

The motor M-| is in circuit with the power line E by means of a conductor 50 connected to the leg 34 of the power circuit E as at 5!. This conductor '50 extends to the motor M2 and branching off from said conductor as at 53 there is a conductor 54 connected to' the motor M-i. Leading from the motor M-l there is a conductor 55 and branching therefrom as at 56 there is a conductor 51 terminating in a contact 58. A conductor 59 forms a continuation of the conductor 55 and this conductor is connected to the leg 33 of the circuit E as at 60. This conductor also extends to a contact plate 6| adjacent the contact plate 58 and a fuse 62 is interposed therein. The contacts 58 and 6! are adapted to be bridged by an arm 63 in order to complete the circuit for the motor M-| which circuit is as follows; leg 34 of the power circuit E, conductor 50, conductor 54, through the motor, conductor 55, conductor 51, contact plates 58 and 6| and conductor 59 to the leg 33 of the power circuit E. The conductor 59 is provided with a manually operated switch 63 by means of which the motor circuit may be energized independently of the circuit just described in which case the motor circuit is as follows: Leg 34 of the power circuit E, conductor 50, conductor 54 through the motor, conductor 55 and conductor 59 to the leg 33 of the power circuit E.

As heretofore stated the conductor 56 also extends to the motor M2 and leading from the motor M-2 there is a conductor 65 to which is connected as at 66 a conductor 61 which is connected to a contact plate 68. Adjacent the contact plate 68 there is a contact plate 69 and leading therefrom there is a conductor 10 which extends to the point 66 from which the conductor 61 branches. This conductor I0 is connected as at 12 to the leg 33 of the power circuit E and includes a manually operated switch H. The contact plates 68 and 69 are adapted to be bridged by an arm 13 to complete the circuit to the motor M2 and when said contact plates 68 and 69 are bridged by the arm 13, the circuit of the motor M2 will be as follows; leg 34 of the power circuit E, conductor 50, through the motor M-2, conductor 65, conductor 61, contact plate 68, arm 13, contact plate 69 and conductor 10 to the leg 33 of the power circuit at the point 12. The conductor l0 and its switch H are for the purpose of supplying, current to the motor M-Z independently of the circuit just described and this last mentioned circuit is as follows: leg 34 of the power circuit E, conductor 56 through the motor, conductor 65, switch H and conductor 10 to the leg 33 of the power circuit E at the point 12.

From the foregoing it will be apparent that when the arm 63 bridges the contact plates 58 and 6!, the circuit to the motor M-I is completed. When, however, the arm 13 bridges the contact plates 68 and 69, the circuit of the motor M2 will be completed. It is to be understood that when the arm 63 is in a position to bridge the contact plates 58 and 6|, the arm 13 will not bridge the contact plates 68 and 69 and that when the arm 13 bridges the contact plates 68 and 69, the arm 63 will not bridge the contact plates 58 and 6|, thus the two starting circuits of the motors M-l and M-2 cannot be completed at the same time by the-automatic device. It is to be understood, however, that each motor is capable of operation through an auxiliary circuit controlled by its respective manually operated switch as heretofore described.

By reference to Figure 1 it will be noted that the are light A| is in a circuit designated by the reference character 35. This circuit is connected as at 36 to the leg 33 of the power line E at one end as at 31 to the leg 34 of the power line E. This circuit includes two spaced contacts 38 which are adapted to be bridged by an arm 39 to establish the circuit 35. A control rheostat 40 and a fuse 4| may be included in this circuit.

The are light A-2 is included in a circuit 42 which is connected as at 43 to the leg 33 of the power line E and as at 44 to the leg 32 of the power line E. This circuit includes two spaced contact plates 45 which are adapted to be bridged and connected by an arm 46 and this circuit also includes a rheostat 41 and a fuse 48.

From the foregoing it will be apparent that when the arm 39 bridges the contacts 38 the circuit of the arc lamp A-l will be complete and said are lamp will function. When, however, the arm 39 does not bridge the contacts 36 the circuit of the arc lamp A--| will be broken and said lamp will not function. When the arm 46 bridges the contact plates 45 of the circuit 42, the arc lamp A-Z will function and when said arm 45 is out of engagement with the contacts 45, the circuit 42 will be broken and the arc lamp A-2 will not function.

The circuits just described are the so-called starting circuits of the arc lamps. The operating circuits thereoi will be described later.

As heretofore stated each arc lamp includes two carbons I4 and E5. The carbon I5 is carried by a stationary bracket I5 as illustrated in Figure 12, the carbon I 4 being carried by a pivotally mounted bracket I5, pivotally mounted as at TI and adapted to move aboutv its pivotal point as indicated in dotted lines in said Figure 12. The reference numeral I8 designates a pair of magnetic coils which are adapted to attract an armature I9 and when these coils have energized and attracted the armature 19 the pivotal bracket will be moved to the dotted line position shown in Figure 12 and when the coils are de-energized, the bracket 75 will move to the full line position illustrated in Figure 12 by the action of gravity. Thus as the coils I8 are alternately energized and de-energized, a vibrating action of the bracket I6 will.

be had and the carbon I4 will be moved towards and away from the carbon it until an operating arc is established. The coils I8 and the armature I9 are diagrammatically illustrated at V-I and if-2 in Figure l and will be hereinafter referred to as the'arc vibrating means.

The are vibrator V-I is in a. circuit which includes a circuit interrupter BI. The circuit interrupter comprises a pair of coils 52 and leading from the coils there is a conductor 83 which is connected to a contact plate 84. Adjacent the contact plate 84 there is a contact plate 85 and leading therefrom there is a conductor 85 which is connected to the throw member 87 of a switch 88. Leading from the contact plate of the switch 58 there is a conductor 89 which is connected to the throw member of a switch 90 from the contact ill of which there leads a conductor 92 and this conductor 92 is connected to a contact plate 93. Adjacent the contact plate 93 there is a contactplate 94 from which extends a conductor 95 which is connected as at 95 to a conductor 97. This conductor SI includes a circuit interrupter 98 which likewise comprises coils 99 and leading from the coils 99 there is a conductor I00 which forms one of the legs of the circuit of the arc vibrator V2. The other leg of the circuit of the arc vibrator V2 is formed by a conductor IIII and is connected to the conductor 95 at the point 55. The other leg of the circuit of the arc vibrator V-I is in the form of a conductor I I12 which is connected to the arc vibrator V-I at one end and to the conductor 83 at the point designated I03.

The contact plates 84 and 85 are adapted to be bridged by an arm I05 to complete the circuit to the arc vibrator VI while the contact plates 93 and 94 are adapted to be bridged by an arm I06 to complete the circuit to the arc vibrator V--2 it being understood that the conductor 89 is connected with the leg 3| of the power circuit D by a conductor I01 as at I08 and that the armatures of the circuit interrupters are connected to the leg 3| of the power circuit D as at H0 and III respectively.

The two sound apparatuses 8-! and S2 are connected to suitable sound mechanism of which several types are well known in the art and which are not herein illustrated. Each sound apparatus includes, as'heretofore stated, an exciter light and these exciter lights are herein designated T--I and T--2. The starting circuits for these exciter lights will now be described. Leading from the starter light T-I there are two conductors II5 and H5. The conductor H5 has a branch conductor III connected thereto at He at one end and to a contact plate I I9 at its other end. The conductor H6 is connected to a contact plate I25. The conductors H5 and H5 are connected with the sound apparatus S-I by conductors I2I and I22 and the conductor I I5 is connected to-the sound apparatus S-I by a con= ductor I23 which includes a switch I 24. The contact plates H9 and I20 are adapted to be bridged by an arm I25 to complete the starting circuit 'of the exciter light TI. v

Leading from the exciter light T2 there are two conductors I25 and I21. The conductor I2'I has a branch conductor I28 connected thereto as .at I29 at one end and at its other end to a contact plate I35. The conductor I25 is connected to a contact plate ISI and these contact plates I30 and KM are adapted to be bridged by an arm I32 to complete the starting circuit of the exciter light T-2. The two sound apparatuses S-I and 8-2 are connected together by suitable conductors I33, I34, and I35. Leading from the conductor I33 there is a conductor I35. Leading from the conductor I34 there is a conductor I3? and leading from the conductor I35 there is a conductor I38. The purpose of these conductors I35, I31, and I38 will be hereinafter referred to.

The switches R-I and Rr2 heretofore mentioned will now be described.

Referring to Figures 4 to 7 inclusive, of the drawings, it will be noted that each of. these switches consists of a suitable box or housing I45 supported from and attached to the upper reel magazine 20 of each machine. Inasmuch as these switches are all of the same construction, only one will be described. Carried by the housing I40 there are a plurality of contact plates I4 I I42, and I63. The contact plate MI is longer than either of the contact plates I42 and I43. The contact plate I42 is shorter than the contact plate MI but longer than the contact plate I43. A member I44 is movable within the housing I46 and this member carries a plurality of contacts I45, I 36, and IN. These contacts are adapted to engage their respective contact plates when moved in the direction thereof, that is to say, the contact I is adapted for engagement with the contact plate I4I; the contact I45 is adapted to engage the contact plate I42, and the contact MI is adapted to engage the contact plate I43. By reason of the several contacts I45, I46, and I4! being in alignment with each other and the contact plates I4I, I42, and I43 being of different lengths, it is obvious that as the member I44 is moved to the left in Figure 5, the contacts I45, I46, and I4! will successively engage their respective contact plates. The member I44 is mounted upon a sliding member I48 which is provided on its under face with a rack I49. Meshing with the rack I49 there is a gear I50 mounted upon a shaft I5I which latter is supported by the housing. The gear I50 is keyed to the shaft I5I as is also a follower-arm I52. This followerarm I52 is provided on its free end with film engaging means preferably in the form of a pair of rollers I53 which rest upon the film. Carried by the follower-arm I52 closely adjacent the film engaging means there is a guard I54 which is preferably flared as at I55 to a point beyond the film engaging-rollers I53 in order to prevent interference of the rollers with the spokes of the film carrying reel as the same is rotated and the film follower-arm and its filmengaging means passes between the spokes as the film is unwound from the reel.

With the parts in the position in which they are illustrated in Figure 5, it will be obvious that the position of the film follower-arm is such that the member I48 which carries the member I 44 will be so positioned that the contacts I45, I46, and I41 will be out of engagement with their respective contact plates I4I, I42, and I43. When, however, the film is unwound from the reel and the film follower-arm approaches the center of the reel, the member I48 will be moved to the left and after a. pre-determined amount of film has been unwound from the reel the contact I45 will be moved into engagement with its contact plate I4I. After a further pro-determined amount of film has been unwound from the reel the contact I46 will engage the contact plate I42 and upon removal of a still further pre-determined amount of film from the reel, the contact I41 will engage the contact plate I43. To provide for the proper operation of the member I44 with films of different lengths, the member I44 is adjustably mounted upon the member I48 and is also capable of adjustable mounting in the housing. The member I44 is adjustable upon the member I48 by means of the screws I59 and I60, and the member I48 is adjustable relative to the housing by means of the screw I6I.

The contacts I45, I46, and I41 are electrically connected together. The contact plates I4I, I42, and I43 are, however, insulated from each other. The reference numeral I62 designates an electrical coupling whereby the contact plates I4I, I42, and I43 and the contacts I45, I46 and I41 are electrically connected with the panel board illustrated diagrammatically in Figure 1.

Referring now to said Figure 1, it will be seen that the contact plate I4I of the switch R-I is connected to the leg 3I of the power circuit D by a conductor I66 and that the contact plate I4I of the switch R2 is connected with the leg 30 of the power circuit D by a conductor I 65.

By this arrangement it will be obvious that as the member I44 of the switch of either machine is moved to a point where its contact I45 engages its contact plate I4I, power will be led into the switch by the conductor connected with the contact plate I4I. This, however, will not energize any of the starting circuits heretofore described until further movement of the member I44 takes place.

The contact plate I42 of the switch R-2 is connected by means of a conductor I61 to an electro-magnetic device I68 which has a plunger I69 moved to the left in Figure 1 upon energization of the coils thereof. This conductor has a switch I10 which will be hereinafter referred to. Leading from the electro-magnetic device I68 there is a conductor I which is connected to the conductor I01 heretofore described as at I8I. This conductor I80 is also connected as at I82 to an electro-magnetic device I83, the plunger I84 of which is moved to the right in Figure 1 upon energization of the coils of said electro-magnetic device.

The contact plate I42 of the switch R-I is connected by means of a conductor I85 to the electromagnetic device I83 heretofore mentioned. This conductor includes a switch I86 which will be hereinafter mentioned.

Referring to Figure 11, it will be seen that these switches I10, I 86, 88, and 90, each includes a pivotally mounted throw member 81, normally held in engagement with a contact member 30I"by a spring 81. These throw members are held out of engagement with their respective contact memhere by screws 303' carried by arms 302 which in turn are carried on and operated by the shaft I90.

The electro-magnetic devices I68 and I83 are adapted to rock a shaft I90, see Figure 2. This shaft I90 is mounted in suitable bearings I9I and carries the several contact arms 39, 46, 63, 13, I05, I06, I25, and I32. These several contact arms are carried by suitable blocks I92 of insulating material mounted upon the shaft I99 and as illustrated in Figure 10 they are of a resilient nature so that they will be placed under tension when moved into engagement with their respective contact plates. The several contact arms are moved into engagement with their contact plates by rocking the shaft are mounted and this is accomplished by the electro-magnetic devices I68 and I83. The plungers I59 and I84 of the magnetic devices I68 and I83 are connected to a link I 95 which carries a pin I96, which in turn operates in a recess I91 in an upstanding arm I98 keyed to the shaft I90. Thus as the plunger I69 is moved to the left, the shaft will be rocked in a counter-clockwise direction and as the plunger I84 is moved to the right the shaft I96 will be rocked in a clockwise direction. Depending from each end of the link I95 there is a link 200 connected to a link 20I, which links are pivotally mounted to a brace or support 292. These links are adapted to engage spring pressed plungers 203, which plungers serve to accelerate the rocking movement of the shaft I 90 and also serve to retain the shaft in the position to which it is rocked by reason of the pivotal points between the plungers and the link I95 passing to opposite sides of the pivotal connections between the links 200 and 20I.

Having thus described the several starting circuits and their control mechanism, the operating circuits and their control mechanism will now be described, the description of the operation of the starting circuits being omitted at this time. They will, however, be described in connection with the complete description of operation of the device.

Referring again to Figure 1, it will be noted that conductors 2I0 and 2 are connected as at 2I2 and 2I3 with the legs of the motor circuit of the motor M-I and also to contact plates 2I4 and 2I5. The two legs of the circuit of the arc lamp AI are connected by means of conductors 2 I6 and 2I1 with contact plates 2I8 and 2 I9.

The conductor H5 heretofore described as one leg of the circuit of the exciter light TI is connected by means of a conductor 220 to a contact plate 22 I. Adjacent this contact plate 22I there is a contact plate 222 which is connected by means of a conductor 223 with the conductor II6 as at 224. The contact plates 22I and 222 are adapted to be bridged by a contact arm 225.

The leg 61 of the motor circuit of the motor M2 is connected by means of a conductor 226 with a contact plate 221 and the leg 10 of this circuit is connected by means of a conductor 228 with a contact plate 229 adjacent the contact plate 221.

The two legs of the circuit 42 of the arc lamp A2 are connected by means of conductors 230 and 23I with contact plates 232 and 233 respectively. These contact plates are adapted to be bridged by a contact arm 234.

Leading from the leg I26 of the circuit of the I90 upon which the blocks I92 exciter light T-2 there is a conductor 240 which is connected to a contact plate 24I the conductor I21 of this circuit being connected to a contact plate 242. These contact plates 24I and 242 are adapted to be bridged by a contact arm 243.

The two contact plates 2 I4 and 2 I5 are adapted to be bridged by a contact arm 241 and the contactplates 221 and 229 heretofore mentioned are adapted to be bridged by a contact arm 248.

The conductors I36, I31, and I38 heretofore mentioned are connected as at 250, 25I, and 252 with conductors 253, 254, and 255 respectively. The conductor 253,is connected with a contact plate 251. The conductor 254 is connected as at 258 to a conductor 259. One end of this conductor 259 is connected to a contact plate 260 adjacent the contact plate 251 and these two contact plates are adapted to be bridged by a contact arm 26 I. The conductor 255 is connected to a contact plate 262 and the other end of the conductor 259 is connected to a contact plate 263 adjacent the contact plate 262. These two contact plates are adapted to be bridged by a contact arm 264.

The contact plates 2I 8 and 2 I9 heretofore mentioned are adapted to be bridged by a contact arm 265 and the contact plates 232 and 233 heretofore mentioned are adapted to be bridged by a contact arm 266. These several contact arms 225, 264, 241, 248, 265, and 265 are carried by blocks 268 of insulating material which are mounted upon a shaft 210 as illustrated in Figure 2 of the drawings, this shaft being similar to the shaft I90 heretofore described. This shaft 210 is adapted to be rocked in its bearing 21I in order that the contact arms may be engaged with or disengaged from the several contact plates which they are adapted to bridge and to accomplish this purpose there are two electromagnetic devices 215 and 216 which are of the same type as the electro-magnetic devices I68 and I83 heretofore mentioned. As the electromagnetic device 215 is energized, its plunger 211 will be moved to the left and as the electromagnetic device 216 is energized its plunger 210 will be moved to the right.

The reference character K designates a third power line and this power line has two legs 300 and 30I. Leading from one of the coils of the douser F--l there is a conductor 302 which is connected to a contact plate 303. Adjacent the contact plate 303 there is a contact plate 304 and leading therefrom there is a conductor 305 which is connected to a foot switch 306. Leading from the switch 306 there is a conductor 301 which is connected to a foot switch 308. Leading from the foot switch 308 there is a conductor 309 which is connected to a contact plate 3I0 adjacent which there is a contact plate 3. Leading from the contact plate 3H there is a conductor 3I2 which is connected to a conductor 3I3 as at 3M. The conductor 3I3 is connected to a conductor 3I5 as at 3I6, the conductor 3I5 leading from the other coil of the douser F-I to the switch 306. Leading from the switch 306 there is a conductor 3I1 which is also connected to the switch 308 and leading therefrom there is a conductor 3I8 connected to one of the coils of the douser F--2. coil of the douser F-2 there is a conductor 320 which is connected as at 32I with the conductor 302 heretofore mentioned. The leg 300 of the power line K is connected as at 325 to the conductor 301, the leg 30I being connected as at 326 to a conductor 321 which is connected as at 328 Leading from the other to a conductor 329 leading from the douser F-l to the switch 306 and as at 330 with a conductor 33I leading from the douser F -2 to the switch 306. The contact plates 303 and 304 are adapted to be bridged by a contact arm 340 and the contact plates 3I0 and 3 are adapted to be bridged by a contact arm 34L In some instances projecting machines are provided with automatic means for operating the douser in case the film should catch on fire. This mechanism in its most conventional form consists of a fusible link which is located closely adjacent the aperture plate of the machine. Upon fusing of the link the circuit of the douser of the machine is closed and the douser is moved to position where it intercepts the light beam.

In Figure 16 I have illustrated one form of mechanism by which the foregoing result can be accomplished and in said figure, 350 designates the aperture plate of a projecting machine, having an aperture opening 35I therein. The film 352 passes by the aperture opening and adjacent the film there is a fusible link 353. This fusible link 353 is connected to a stationary point 354 at one end and at its other end to an arm 355 of insulating material which carries a contact member 356 adapted to engage a contact member 351. The arm is moved to a position where its contact member 356 will engage the contact member 351 by means of a spring 358. Leading from the contact member 356 there is a conductor 359 and leading from the contact member 351 there is a conductor 360.

It is to be understood that there are two of these mechanisms, there being one for each machine and these mechanisms are diagrammatically illustrated in Figure 1 of the drawing and designated X--I and X-Z.

The operation of the device will now be described.

With the several parts in the position in which they are illustrated in Figure 1, the machine M-I is in operation, the machine M-2 being idle. This is evidenced by the fact that the operating circuit of the motor M--I is closed by the contact arm 241, which bridges the contact plates 2 I5 and 2 I4. The circuit of the arc lamp A-I is energized by reason of the engagement of the contact arm 265 with the contact plates 2 I8 and 2I9, its sound apparatus is operating by reason of the engagement of the contact am 225 with the contact plates 22I and 222 and its exciter light T-I is in operation by reason of the contact arm I25 bridging the contact plates H9 and I20. The switch R,I of this machine is deenergized by reason of the fact that the followerarm I52 is held elevated by the presence of film upon the upper reel in the upper reel magazine of this machine. The douser F-I of this machine is held inoperative by reason of its circuit being closed by the contact arm 340 bridging the contact plates 303 and 304, the contacts 356 and 351 being closed.

With the parts in the described position, the machine M-I will continue to operate, the machine M-2 being idle because of the fact that its operating motor circuit is open by reason of the fact that the contact arm 248 is disengagedfrom 'the contact plates 221 and 229. The circuit of its are light is broken by reason of the fact that the contact arm 266 is disengaged from the contact plates 232 and 233. Its exciter light T-2 is dead because of the fact that the contact arm 243 is disengaged from the contact plates 24I and 242 and its sound .apparatus is dead because of the fact that the contact arm 264 is disengaged from the contact plates 262 and 263.

As the film on the upper reel in the film magazine of the machine MI is reduced, the film follower I52 will, through the medium of the shaft I5I and the gear I50, move the member I48 to the left in Figure 1. After a predetermined number of feet of film have been exposed, the contact I45 will be brought into engagement with the contact plate I H thus connecting the upper circuit D with the switch R-I. Upon the exposure of a further amount of film the contact I46 will be brought into engagement with the contact plate I42 and the upper circuit D will then be connected with the said contact plate I42. This operation immediately energizes the electro-magnetic device I83 and through the medium of its armature I84 the shaft I90 is rocked in a clockwise direction. This movement of the shaft I8I causes the contact arms 46, I3, and I06 to bridge their respective contact plates. This action completes the circuit to the arc A2 of the idle machine, the circuit to the arc vibrator of the idle machine and the circuit to the motor of the idle machine. It will be understood that by this action the previously idle machine will be ready for operation. its starting circuits having been completed. Upon the exposure of a still further length of film from the machine R-2 the member I44 is moved still further to the left in Figure 5 and the contact I4! is moved into engagement with the contact plate I43. When this takes place, the electro-magnetic device 216 is energized and through the medium of its armature, the shaft 210 is rocked in a clockwise direction. This action of the shaft 210 completes all of the operating circuits by reason of the several contact arms 243, 264, 34I, 248, and 266 engaging their respective contact plates. This action completes the operating circuit of the motor, arc lamp, exciter light of the sound mechanism, the sound mechanism and douser of the second machine and at the same time, by reason of the contact arms 225, 26I, 340. 247, and 265, disengaging their respective contact plates, the operating circuits of the several devices of the previously operating machine will be de-energized thus rendering the previously operating machine inoperative. The formerly idle machine now operating continues to operate until the film reaches the pre-determined points heretofore described at which time the switch R-2 will operate inthe same manner as the switch RI previously described to render the machine M2 inoperative and the machine MI operative.

At the time of energization of the several starting circuits of the machine M-2, the switch I86 was moved to open position thus breaking the circuit of the electro-magnetic device I83 and when the operating circuits of this machine were energized. the switch in the circuits of the electromagnetic device 216 was moved to open position. The switch H in the circuit of the electro-magnetic device I68 was, however, closed and the switch in the circuit of the electro-magnetic device 215 was likewise closed.

As the machine M2 continues to operate the afore-described operation is carried out until the switch R-2 operates to first energize the circuit of the electromagnetic device I68 and subsequently the circuit of the electro-magnetic device 215 to render the machine M-I operative.

The switches 306 and 308 are floor switches in the form of foot treadles and it is obvious that these switches being normally closed, it is only necessary to step upon either of them depending upon which machine is operating to render the douser operative to intercept the light beam and prevent projection thereof to the film, it'being understood that the dousers are held in their inoperative position by elect ro-magnetic devices which are energized when the circuits in which the switches 306 and 308 are energized and that upon de-energizing said circuits by opening the switches 306 and 308 will permit the dousers to move to beam intercepting position.

In Figure 1 I have shown diagrammatically a switch 400 which is of the hand operated type by which the sound circuits may be manually operated and controlled in case of faulty operation of the automatic apparatus and the power circuit E is likewise provided with a switch 40I by which the circuit of the arc lamp A-I may be manually controlled and operated and the switch 402 by means of which the circuit of the arc lamp A-2 may be manually controlled and operated.

In Figure 17 I have illustrated in detail, means by which the door of the upper reel magazine is locked closed during operation of the machine and for indicating the amount of film at all times upon the reel in the upper reel magazine.

Referring to Figure 1'7, 500 designates an operating crank secured to the shaft I5I. As the film unwinds from the upper reel, the crank 500 moves downwardly to a position across the door 50I to prevent swinging thereof upon its hinge 502. This crank may be held in its upper position by means of a spring pressed plunger 503 which engages the crank 500. The crank may be operated by a handle 504.

In order to insure that the film follower I5I is released, I provide the plunger 503 with a rigid arm 5| 0, a. portion of which projects into the path of movement of the door of the upper film magazine to closed position. Thus as this door is closed, the plunger 503 is disengaged from the crank 500 and the film follower released to move by gravity onto the film.

Upon the opposite end of this crank 500, there is a pointer 506 which travels over a scale or set of calibrations 501 to indicate the amount of film remaining upon the reel in the upper magazine.

From the foregoing it will be apparent that the present invention provides a new and novel mechanism for cheating automatically the change over from one motion picture projector to another without requiring the attention of an operator except for the purpose of changing reels of films in the machine.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new and what it is desired to secure by Letters Patent of the United States, is:

1. Apparatus of the class described comprising in combination, a plurality of projecting machines, a source of light for each machine, a driving motor for each machine, and means for effecting alternate operation of said projecting machines, said operating means including a starting circuit and an operating circuit for the source of light of each projecting machine, a starting circuit and an operating circuit for the driving motor of each projecting machine, and means controlled by the film in one of said projecting machines for maintaining energized, the operating circuits of both the source of light and the driving motor of said machine, said means also serving to energize the starting circuit of the source of light and driving motor of the other machine and subsequently to simultaneously deenergize the operating circuit of the source of light and the driving motor of the first mentioned machine and the starting circuit of the source of light and driving motor of the second mentioned machine and energize the operating circuit of the source of light and driving motor of the second mentioned machine.

2. Apparatus of the class described comprising in combination, a plurality of projecting machines, a source of light for each machine, a driving motor for each machine, and means for effecting alternate operation of said projecting machines, said operating means including a starting circuit and an operating circuit for the source of light of each projecting machine, a starting circuit and an operating circuit for the driving motor of each projecting machine, and means controlled by the film in one of said projecting machines for maintaining energized the operating circuits of both the source of light and the driving motor of said machine, said means also serving to energize the starting circuit of the source of light and the driving motor of the other machine and subsequently to simultaneously de-energize the operating circuit of the source of light and the driving motor of the first mentioned machine, de-energize the starting circuit of the source of light and driving motor of the second mentioned machine and energize the operating circuit of the source of light and the driving motor of the second mentioned machine.

3. Apparatus of the class described comprising in combination, a plurality of projecting machines, a source of light for each machine, a driving motor for each machine, and means for effecting alternate operation of said projecting machines, said operating means including a starting circuit and an operating circuit for the source of light of each projecting machine, a starting circuit and an operating circuit for the driving motor of each projecting machine, and means controlled by the film in one of said projecting mentioned machine and energize the operating circuit of the source of light and the driving motor of the second mentioned machine, said last mentioned means including a plurality of electrically controlled two way switches.

4. Apparatus of the class described comprising in combination, a plurality of projecting machines, a source of light for each machine, a driving motor for each machine, and means for effecting alternate operation of said projecting machines, said operating means including a starting circuit and an operating circuit for the source of light of each projecting machine, a starting circuit and an operating circuit for the driving motor of each projecting machine, and means for maintaining energized the operating circuits of both the source of light and the driving motor of said machine, said means also serving to energize the starting circuit of the source of light and the driving motor of the other machine and subsequently to simultaneously de-energize the operating circuit of the source of light and the driving motor of the first mentioned machine, deenergize the starting circuit of the source of light and driving motor of the second mentioned ma chine and energize the operating circuit of the source of light and the driving motor of the second mentioned machine, and a plurality of mechanical switches associated with a film magazine and operated by the film therein for energizing and de-energizing the circuits of said two-way switches.

CARMINE DOINO. 

